Assessment of Medication Use During Pregnancy and Awareness of Potential Risks to Embryonic and Fetal Development

Abdulrahman Ahmed Mahmood Mahmood; AHMED ABDULLAH OMAR OMAR; Mahmood Kadir Ibrahim Ibrahim; Muhammad Adham Aswan Aswan

doi:10.56286/d8wzya14

Authors

Dr. Abdulrahman Mahmood Dialysuys Techniques Dept., College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University. Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6625-2765
Asst. Lect. Ahmed Omar Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Technology, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5135-9812
Dr. Mahmood Ibrahim Medical Laboratories Techniques Dept., College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6227-4443
Muhammad Adham Aswan Aswan Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56286/d8wzya14

Keywords:

Pregnancy pharmacotherapy, Community pharmacy, Teratogenicity risk, Drug safety, maternal health

Abstract

Pregnancy presents significant pharmacological challenges, as maternal physiological alterations influence drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, necessitating the safe administration of medications to mitigate teratogenic risks, particularly during the first trimester. Even though there may be risks, pharmacotherapy is often necessary for the health of the mother or fetus, and community pharmacists are often the first people to ask for advice, especially in areas where healthcare is hard to get to. This cross-sectional study conducted in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, evaluated the knowledge and practices of 100 community pharmacists through a structured questionnaire addressing demographics, experience, awareness, and referral behavior. Paracetamol, amoxicillin, prenatal vitamins, and antifungals were some of the most common medications given out. Many pharmacists correctly identified low-risk drugs, but there were worries about recommending over-the-counter drugs without a doctor's referral. The findings underscore the necessity for more explicit guidelines, ongoing education, and cohesive referral systems to enhance safe maternal pharmacotherapy and improve maternal-fetal outcomes within community pharmacy practice.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Abdulrahman Mahmood, Dialysuys Techniques Dept., College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University. Kirkuk, Iraq

Lecturer
Asst. Lect. Ahmed Omar, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Technology, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq

Asst. Lect.
Dr. Mahmood Ibrahim, Medical Laboratories Techniques Dept., College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq

Asst. Prof.
Muhammad Adham Aswan Aswan, Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia

P.h.D

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